More Power Than It Appears
Though it looks like an unassuming hatchback from the outside, under the Mirage Cyborg’s hood lies Mitsubishi’s 1.6-liter MIVEC (Mitsubishi’s name for variable valve timing) engine, capable of an astounding 173 horsepower.
For comparison, the much-lauded 1995 Honda Civic Si made a mere 125. The output of 108 naturally aspirated horsepower per liter gave it one of the highest power-to-displacement ratios of any engine of the era, matched only by exotics like the Ferrari F355.
Not only that, but the Mirage Cyborg had 123 pound-feet of torque. That helped give it strong acceleration in the low- and mid-rpm range. Best of all, it could be wrung out to a stratospheric 8,200 rpm redline. In other words, it was the Civic hot rod that ‘90s tuners wished they had.
As Mitsubishi Intended
The car offered on eBay looks to have been used as Mitsubishi intended. It’s been fitted with several aftermarket upgrades to make it an even more potent track weapon. The list includes:
- A full coilover suspension with adjustable camber plates
- A locking limited-slip differential
- Lightweight 16-inch Yokohama Advan alloys with aggressive Toyo R888 tires
- Strut tower bars front and rear
Interior upgrades include:
The seller notes that the paint looks flawless, though evidence of a respray can be found on the passenger side fender if you hold a paint depth gauge up to it. There’s also a crack in the front air dam, which may be repairable by someone experienced in fiberglass. At 76,700 miles, the car has been well-used for a Japanese export, but by US standards, it’s relatively low for a car of this vintage.
The seller says that Mitsubishi built less than 2,000 Mirage Cyborgs, and only 352 were painted in white. The rarity makes it hard to find price comparisons. The asking price of $13,900 seems entirely reasonable for a car this unique in the States.
Back when the Mirage Cyborg was new, Mitsubishi had an expansive portfolio of exciting cars. Financial hardships and fierce competition have since killed most of them off. The Mirage Cyborg might not be well-known in the US, but it is should be remembered as a tuner legend along with the Eclipse, Lancer Evolution, and 3000GT. Perhaps the next owner can keep the flame alive.
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